U.S. patent application number 15/864320 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-27 for information processing apparatus utilizing positioning satellites.
This patent application is currently assigned to CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Shigeki KITAMURA, Tsuyoshi MINAMI, Kimiyasu MIZUNO, Keiichi NOMURA, Toshiya SAKURAI, Munetaka SEO, Takashi SUENAGA, Hideo SUZUKI, Shuhei UCHIDA.
Application Number | 20180275739 15/864320 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63581776 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180275739 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MINAMI; Tsuyoshi ; et
al. |
September 27, 2018 |
INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS UTILIZING POSITIONING
SATELLITES
Abstract
An information processing apparatus includes a first processor,
a second processor and a positioning processor. The second
processor consumes a reduced amount of power compared to the first
processor during an operation. The positioning processor receives
radio waves from positioning satellites and converts the radio
waves into positioning data. The second processor controls the
positioning processor. The second processor stores the positioning
data received from the positioning processor. The second processor
transfers the stored positioning data to the first processor at a
timing determined in accordance with an operating condition of the
first processor.
Inventors: |
MINAMI; Tsuyoshi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; MIZUNO; Kimiyasu; (Tokyo, JP) ; SUZUKI;
Hideo; (Tokyo, JP) ; SUENAGA; Takashi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; NOMURA; Keiichi; (Uenohara-shi, JP) ;
UCHIDA; Shuhei; (Tokyo, JP) ; KITAMURA; Shigeki;
(Iruma-shi, JP) ; SEO; Munetaka; (Tokyo, JP)
; SAKURAI; Toshiya; (Tokyo, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD. |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
63581776 |
Appl. No.: |
15/864320 |
Filed: |
January 8, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/3265 20130101;
G06F 1/1694 20130101; Y02D 10/00 20180101; G01C 21/005 20130101;
G06F 1/163 20130101; G06F 1/3215 20130101; G06F 1/3293 20130101;
G06F 1/3287 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/32 20060101
G06F001/32 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 22, 2017 |
JP |
2017-055267 |
Claims
1. An information processing apparatus comprising: a first
processor; a second processor consuming a reduced amount of power
compared to the first processor during an operation; and a
positioning processor receiving radio waves from positioning
satellites and converting the radio waves into positioning data,
wherein the second processor controls the positioning processor,
and the second processor stores the positioning data received from
the positioning processor, and the second processor transfers the
stored positioning data to the first processor at a timing
determined in accordance with an operating condition of the first
processor.
2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein, the first processor switches between an operational mode
and a dormant mode, and the second processor stores the positioning
data while the first processor is in the dormant mode and transfers
the stored positioning data to the first processor after the first
processor enters the operational mode.
3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2,
wherein, the first processor in the dormant mode temporarily enters
the operational mode at a predetermined maintenance operation
interval and carries out predetermined processing, and the second
processor transfers the positioning data while the first processor
is in the operational mode.
4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
further comprising a display, wherein, the second processor
transfers the positioning data to the first processor at a first
time interval while the display displays images under the control
of the first processor, and the second processor transfers the
positioning data to the first processor at a second time interval
longer than the first time interval while the display displays no
images under the control of the first processor.
5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4,
wherein, the first processor switches between the operational mode
and the dormant mode, and the display displays no images while the
first processor is in the dormant mode.
6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
further comprising a map-information memory storing map data,
wherein the first processor generates image data for displaying a
map including at least a recent position determined based on the
positioning data and at least the recent position to be displayed
on the map, in reference to the positioning data and the map
data.
7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6,
further comprising a display, wherein the first processor causes
the map including at least the recent position to appear on the
display, based on the image data generated for display.
8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7,
wherein, the first processor causes the map and a mark indicating
the recent position at a fixed position to appear on the
display.
9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7,
wherein, the first processor causes at least the recent position to
appear or disappear overlapped on the map being displayed.
10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4,
further comprising a measuring unit measuring a kinetic state of
the information processing apparatus, wherein the second processor
varies the second time interval based on results measured by the
measuring unit.
11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
further comprising: a first clock counting time; and a second clock
counting time with a precision lower than the precision of the
first clock, wherein, the positioning processor acquires
information on time having a precision higher than the precision of
information on time acquired by the second clock using the radio
waves received from the positioning satellites, and the second
processor acquires temporal information from the positioning
processor and corrects the time of the second clock with the
temporal information.
12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11,
wherein, the first clock is disposed in the first processor, and
the second clock is disposed in the second processor.
13. A method of processing information carried out at an
information processing apparatus comprising a first processor, a
second processor consuming a reduced amount of power compared to
the first processor during an operation, and a positioning
processor receiving radio waves from positioning satellites and
converting the radio waves into positioning data, wherein the
positioning processor operates under the control of the second
processor, the method carried out by the second processor,
comprising: controlling the positioning processor; and storing the
positioning data received from the positioning processor; and
transferring the stored positioning data to the first processor at
a timing determined in accordance with an operating condition of
the first processor.
14. The method of processing information according to claim 13,
further comprising: storing the positioning data by the second
processor while the first processor is in a dormant mode; and
transferring the stored positioning data to the first processor by
the second processor after the first processor enters an
operational mode, wherein the first processor switches between the
operational mode and the dormant mode.
15. The method of processing information according to claim 14,
further comprising: carrying out predetermined processing by the
first processor after the first processor in the dormant mode
temporarily enters the operational mode at a predetermined
maintenance operation interval; and transferring the positioning
data by the second processor while the first processor is in the
operational mode.
16. The method of processing information according to claim 13,
further comprising: transferring the positioning data to the first
processor by the second processor at a first time interval while a
display displays images under the control of the first processor;
and transferring the positioning data to the first processor by the
second processor at a second time interval longer than the first
time interval while the display displays no images under the
control of the first processor, wherein the information processing
apparatus comprises the display.
17. The method of processing information according to claim 13,
further comprising: acquiring temporal information from the
positioning processor by the second processor; and correcting the
time of a second clock with the acquired temporal information,
wherein, the information processing apparatus comprises a first
clock counting time, and the second clock counting time at a
precision lower than the precision of the first clock, and the
positioning processor acquires information on time having a
precision higher than the precision of information on time acquired
by the second clock using the radio waves received from the
positioning satellites.
18. The method of processing information according to claim 17,
wherein, the first clock is disposed in the first processor, and
the second clock is disposed in the second processor.
19. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program
that causes a second processor of an information processing
apparatus to execute: controlling a positioning processor; and
storing the positioning data received from the positioning
processor; and transferring the stored positioning data to a first
processor at a timing determined in accordance with an operating
condition of the first processor, wherein the information
processing apparatus includes the first processor, the second
processor consuming a reduced amount of power compared to the first
processor during operation, and the positioning processor receiving
radio waves from positioning satellites and converting the radio
waves into positioning data.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-055267 filed on
Mar. 22, 2017 the entire contents of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an information processing
apparatus utilizing positioning satellites.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] Information processing apparatuses including a display have
been known that process various information items and cause the
processed information items to appear on displays (for example,
refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
2006-101505).
[0004] Many information processing apparatuses include
satellite-radio-wave reception modules to receive radio waves from
satellites, carry out positioning operations to calculate the
current position, and process the results of the positioning for
various purposes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to an aspect of the present invention an
information processing apparatus includes:
[0006] a first processor;
[0007] a second processor consuming a reduced amount of power
compared to the first processor during an operation; and
[0008] a positioning processor receiving radio waves from
positioning satellites and converting the radio waves into
positioning data, wherein
[0009] the second processor controls the positioning processor,
and
[0010] the second processor stores the positioning data received
from the positioning processor, and
[0011] the second processor transfers the stored positioning data
to the first processor at a timing determined in accordance with an
operating condition of the first processor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1A is a front view of a smart watch according to an
embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 1B is a front view of the smart watch according to an
embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the functional
configuration of the smart watch.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a control process
executed by a main microcomputer for announcement of the state of
the main microcomputer.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a control process for a
measurement controlling process executed by the main
microcomputer.
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates the area of generation and display of an
output image in the smart watch.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a control process for a
display controlling process to be invoked in the measurement
controlling process.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a control process for a
positioning control process executed by a subsidiary
microcomputer.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a modification of the
positioning control process.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a time displaying
process.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] A smart watch 100 exemplifying an information processing
apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will
now be described.
[0023] FIGS. 1A and 1B are front views of the smart watch 100
according to this embodiment.
[0024] With reference to FIG. 1A, the smart watch 100 is an
information processing apparatus worn around an arm of a user and
includes a body 1 and a band 2. The body 1 of the smart watch 100
includes a frame 3, a display screen 4, and a push-button switch
B1.
[0025] The frame 3 supports the display screen 4 such that the
display screen 4 is exposed from one face of the frame 3 and
accommodates functional components involved in various operations
described below.
[0026] The display screen 4 includes two stacked displays. With
reference to FIG. 1B, a display screen 22a of a second display 22
(see FIG. 2) is disposed over a display screen 12a of a first
display 12 (see FIG. 2). FIG. 1A illustrates an image that appears
on the first display 12 and passes through the display screen 22a
of the second display 22.
[0027] A touch sensor or touch panel (not shown) is disposed on the
upper portion of the second display 22 to receive user operations.
A push-button switch B1 is disposed on a side face of the frame 3
and receives user operations, in addition to the touch sensor.
[0028] The first display 12 includes a color dot-matrix
liquid-crystal display screen. The first display 12 switches among
various displays associated with various functions in accordance
with user input operations and various program operations or
displays an array of these displays.
[0029] The second display 22 is, for example, a segmented bitonal
liquid crystal display and includes a screen that displays a simple
image indicating the time with power consumption lower than that of
the first display 12. Alternatively, the display screen 22a of the
second display 22 may be a memory-in-pixel (MIP) liquid crystal
display screen or a polymer network (PN) liquid crystal display
screen. A predetermined voltage applied to the display screen 22a
of the second display 22 turns off the image display of the display
screen 22a and causes the display screen 22a to transmit the image
of the first display 12.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the functional
configuration of the smart watch 100 according to this
embodiment.
[0031] The smart watch 100 includes a main microcomputer 11 or
first processor, a first display 12, an operation receiver 13, a
wireless communication controller 14, an external memory 15 or
map-information memory unit, a subsidiary microcomputer 21 or
second processor, a second display 22, a measuring unit 23, a
satellite-radio-wave receiving module 24 or positioning processor,
a switch 25, and a power management IC (PMIC) 31.
[0032] The main microcomputer 11, which is a main processor,
includes a main CPU 111, a RAM 112, a memory 113, and a clock 114
(first clock). The main microcomputer 11 is supplied with
electrical power from a power supply via the PMIC 31 and controls
the operation of various components, including the first display
12, the operation receiver 13, the wireless communication
controller 14, and the external memory 15.
[0033] The main CPU ill carries out various calculation processes
and comprehensively controls the overall operation of the smart
watch 100 in a normal operational state. The main CPU 111 receives
the calculated data from the satellite-radio-wave receiving module
24 and the measuring unit 23 via the subsidiary microcomputer 21
and carries out information processing. The processing includes
preparation of various display data items, calculation of values
such as moving rate, moving acceleration, and moving direction,
statistical processing of determining the integration, average, and
variation of the calculated values, and calculation of various
parameters, such as caloric consumption, derived from the data
items. The main CPU 111 may be paused automatically or in response
to a predetermined input operation when the operation of the main
CPU 111 is not required.
[0034] The RAM 112 provides a work memory space for the main CPU
111 and stores temporary data.
[0035] The memory 113 is a non-volatile memory, such as a flash
memory, that stores various control programs including various
application programs (apps) and data items to be executed by the
main CPU 111. The data stored in the memory 113 includes
application programs using the results of the positioning acquired
by the satellite-radio-wave receiving module 24, and moving
trajectory data or log data based on the results of the positioning
acquired by the satellite-radio-wave receiving module 24 in the
form of time series data in response to instructions by the
application programs. Examples of the application programs include
a positional-information acquisition application program and a
navigation application program that routinely acquires the current
position and outdoor-activity logger application programs, such as
an activity tracker application program, a running tracker
application program, a cycling tracker application program, and a
climbing tracker application program.
[0036] The clock 114 counts the current date and time under the
control of the main CPU 111. The clock 114 includes a counter and
counts the time and date in accordance with the operational clock
frequency of the main microcomputer 11 with a precision higher than
that of the real time clock (RTC) 214 described below.
[0037] The first display 12 displays an image mainly in response to
a control operation by the main microcomputer 11 (main CPU 111).
The display is turned off while the main microcomputer 11 is in a
dormant state. Alternatively, limited content may be displayed
under the control of the subsidiary microcomputer 21 (sub-CPU
211).
[0038] The operation receiver 13 includes the touch sensor
mentioned above. The operation receiver 13 receives an input
operation from an external unit or user, converts the input
operation to an electrical signal, and sends this electrical signal
to the main CPU 111. If the main CPU 111 is in a standby state when
the touch sensor receives an input operation, the electrical signal
functions as an operation resume signal to resume the operation of
the main CPU 111.
[0039] The wireless communication controller 14 establishes
wireless communication with external electronic devices. The
wireless communication may be carried out in accordance with any
standard, for example, a close-range wireless communication
standard, such as Bluetooth (trademark), or a wireless LAN
standard, such as IEEE 802.11. The main microcomputer 11 (main CPU
111) can acquire necessary information, programs, and update data
from external units via the wireless communication controller 14.
Examples of external electronic devices that establish wireless
communication with the wireless communication controller 14 include
a smart phone, a mobile phone, a tablet, and a personal digital
assistant (PDA).
[0040] The external memory 15 is a large non-volatile storage unit
storing map data referred to for navigation and map display. The
external memory 15 may be disposed in the smart watch 100.
Alternatively, the external memory 15 may be a small detachable
portable storage medium, such as a flash memory. The map data may
be preliminarily provided on a storage medium. Alternatively, via
Wi-Fi, the map data may be preliminarily updated by the user or
updated in response to a variation in the results of the
positioning such that the updated map data can be deleted from the
storage medium.
[0041] The subsidiary microcomputer 21 includes a sub-CPU 211 or
second processor, a RAM 212, a memory 213, a real time clock (RTC)
214 (second clock), and a buffer memory 215 or temporary memory.
The subsidiary microcomputer 21 is supplied with electrical power
from a power source via the PMIC 31 for operation. The subsidiary
microcomputer 21 controls the operation of the second display 22,
the measuring unit 23, and the satellite-radio-wave receiving
module 24, and the transmission and reception of data to and from
the main microcomputer 11. The power consumption during normal
operation and the maximum power consumption of the subsidiary
microcomputer 21 are smaller than those of the main microcomputer
11, respectively. Power consumption during normal operation and the
maximum power consumption of the subsidiary microcomputer 21 may be
based mainly on the thermal design power (TDP) of the CPU or the
TDP in consideration of the influence of the size of the RAM and
the number of RAMs provided. That is, the subsidiary microcomputer
21 is a subsidiary processor for carrying out continuous operations
with relatively low power consumption.
[0042] The sub-CPU 211 carries out various calculation processes to
comprehensively control the operation of the subsidiary
microcomputer 21. The power consumption (TDP) of the sub-CPU 211
lower than that of the main CPU 111 allows the sub-CPU 211 to have
lower performance than the main CPU 11. In principle, the sub-CPU
211 maintains a minimal operation unless there is a shortage in
power from the PMIC 31. If the minimal operation is periodically
carried out at a predetermined time interval, the sub-CPU 211 may
enter a standby state during periods other than the predetermined
interval.
[0043] The RAM 212 provides a work memory area for the sub-CPU 211
and stores temporary data. The RAM 212 stores data while the PMIC
31 continues to feed power even if the operation of the sub-CPU 211
is intermittent, as described above.
[0044] The memory 213 is a non-volatile memory, such as a flash
memory, that stores various control programs including various
application programs and data items to be executed by the sub-CPU
211. The programs 213a stored in the memory 213 includes control
programs executed by the subsidiary microcomputer 21, such as a
program for controlling the operation of the measuring unit 23 and
a program for controlling the positioning operation of the
satellite-radio-wave receiving module 24. The memory 213 stores
firmware that is a program for operational control by the
satellite-radio-wave receiving module 24.
[0045] The RTC 214 is a traditional RTC that counts time. The RTC
214 counts time with a precision lower than that of the clock 114
of the main microcomputer 11 and power consumption lower than that
of the clock 114. The RTC 214 constantly counts time even while the
main microcomputer 11 is turned off and the subsidiary
microcomputer 21 is in a standby mode, as described above.
[0046] The buffer memory 215 is a volatile memory, such as a DRAM,
that temporarily stores the results of the positioning or
positioning data acquired by the satellite-radio-wave receiving
module 24. The results of the positioning acquired by the
satellite-radio-wave receiving module 24 are temporarily stored in
the buffer memory 215 and then transferred to the main
microcomputer 11 at an appropriate timing.
[0047] The second display 22, which consumes reduced amounts of
power compared to the first display 12, as described above,
displays time. If the display screen includes an MIP liquid crystal
screen, the second display 22 can lower the update frequency of the
displayed content under the control of the sub-CPU 211.
[0048] The measuring unit 23 includes a sensor that measures
physical quantities indicating the kinetic state of the smart watch
100. The measuring unit 23 includes an acceleration sensor in this
embodiment. The measuring unit 23 may further include a direction
sensor or geomagnetic sensor and/or a barometer or altimeter. The
measuring unit 23 further includes a tilt sensor that detects a
predetermined orientation of the smart watch 100. In this
embodiment, the measuring unit 23 detects the tilt of the smart
watch 100 when the smart watch 100 is in a predetermined position,
specifically, positioned such that the screen of the smart watch
100 is in front of the eyes of the user for viewing by the
user.
[0049] The satellite-radio-wave receiving module 24 tracks,
receives, and demodulates radio waves from GNSS satellites, which
are positioning satellites of the global navigation satellite
system (GNSS), such as the GPS satellites of the global positioning
system (GPS), to acquire time and positional information. The
satellite-radio-wave receiving module 24 includes an antenna (not
shown) and operates under the control of the subsidiary
microcomputer 21 (sub-CPU 211). The satellite-radio-wave receiving
module 24 receives radio waves in the L1 band (1.57542 GHz for GPS
satellites) and subjects the radio waves to inverse spectral
diffusion to decipher navigational messages. The
satellite-radio-wave receiving module 24 carries out positioning on
the basis of the resulting navigational messages. The acquired
date, time, and current position are output in a predetermined
format.
[0050] The satellite-radio-wave receiving module 24 includes a
memory 241 for storing temporary data required for operation. The
memory 241 is a volatile memory that stores an execution control
program (firmware) required for a positioning operation,
information on the format of the navigational messages from the
positioning satellites, and information (ephemeris and almanac
data) on orbits from the positioning satellites. The memory 241 can
continue operation even after shut-down of the receiver of the
satellite-radio-wave receiving module 24. After restart of the
operation of the memory 241, at least some of the information items
including the firmware are retrieved from the memory 213 of the
subsidiary microcomputer 21. The satellite-radio-wave receiving
module 24 tracks radio waves from a predetermined number of the
positioning satellites required for positioning, acquires ephemeris
data from the positioning satellites, and constantly calculates the
current positions. The current positions may be calculated at any
time interval, for example, at an interval of one second in this
embodiment.
[0051] The switch 25 receives a predetermined user operation to
restart the main microcomputer 11 when the main microcomputer 11 is
in a dormant mode. The switch 25 may be a dedicated switch or
integrated with the push-button switch B1.
[0052] The PMIC 31 controls the power supply to the main
microcomputer 11 and the subsidiary microcomputer 21. The PMIC 31
includes, for example, a selector switch for switching whether or
not power is supplied to the main microcomputer 11 and the
subsidiary microcomputer 21 and a DC/DC converter that adjusts the
output voltage. The PMIC 31 feeds appropriate electrical power to
the main microcomputer 11 and the subsidiary microcomputer 21
during operation.
[0053] The operational control of the smart watch 100 according to
this embodiment will now be described.
[0054] As described above, the smart watch 100 includes the main
microcomputer 11 that controls the display operation of the first
display 12 and carries out information processing, and the
subsidiary microcomputer 21 that controls operation of the second
display 22, the measuring unit 23, and the satellite-radio-wave
receiving module 24. The display operation of the first display 12
can be turned off when display is unnecessary. While the first
display 12 is turned off, the second display 22 displays at least
the current time (hour and minute).
[0055] The main microcomputer 11 can switch between an operational
mode and a dormant mode by turning on and off the main CPU 111. In
the dormant mode, the first display 12 is turned off when the main
CPU 111 is shut down. The dormant mode may be a standby mode in
which the RAM 112 continues to store information and the main
microcomputer 11 quickly resumes normal operation when the main CPU
111 restarts. Alternatively, the dormant mode may be a shut-down
mode in which the RAM 112 is completely shut down, or a sleep mode
in which the information stored in the RAM 112 is transferred to
the memory 113 and the RAM 112 is temporarily shut down. The
dormant mode of the main microcomputer 11 may be a shut-down and/or
a sleep mode, besides the standby mode. Even while the main
microcomputer 11 is in the dormant mode, the main microcomputer 11
temporarily resumes operation at a predetermined maintenance
operation interval, for example, every 10 minutes, to execute a
predetermined process or maintenance operation.
[0056] The main microcomputer 11 maybe restarted at any time. For
example, in this embodiment, the main microcomputer 11
automatically restarts upon detection of a contact operation of the
touch sensor of the operation receiver 13 or restarts in response
to a start-up signal from the subsidiary microcomputer 21 sent when
the tilt sensor of the measuring unit 23 detects the tilt described
above.
[0057] The subsidiary microcomputer 21 (sub-CPU 211) acquires
information on the on/off state of the main CPU 111 and the first
display 12 as needed, and carries out operational control in
accordance with the operational state of the main CPU 111 and the
first display 12.
[0058] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a control process
executed by the main CPU ill of the main microcomputer 11 for
announcement of the state of the main microcomputer 11.
[0059] The control process for announcement of the state of the
main microcomputer 11 continues from start or restart of the main
CPU 111 to shut-down of the main CPU 111. After start of the
control process for announcement of the state of the main
microcomputer 11, the main CPU 111 sends a notification of the ON
state of the main CPU 111 to the subsidiary microcomputer 21 (step
S101).
[0060] The main CPU ill determines whether the display operation of
the first display 12 is turned on (step S102). If the first display
12 is turned on ("YES" in step S102), the main CPU 111 notifies the
subsidiary microcomputer 21 about the ON state of the first display
12 (step S103). The process then goes to step S104. If the first
display 12 is not turned on ("NO" in step S102), the process goes
to step S104.
[0061] In step S104, the main CPU 111 determines whether the
display operation of the first display 12 is turned off (step
S104). If the first display 12 is turned off ("YES" in step S104),
the main CPU 111 notifies the subsidiary microcomputer 21 about the
OFF state of the first display 12 (step S105). The process then
goes to step S106. If the first display 12 is not turned off ("NO"
in step S104), the process goes to step S106.
[0062] In step S106, the main CPU 111 determines whether to shut
down the main CPU 111 (step S106). If the main CPU 111 is not to be
shut down ("NO" in step S106), the process goes to step S102. If
the main CPU 111 is to be shut down ("YES" in step 8106), the main
CPU 111 notifies the subsidiary microcomputer 21 about shut down of
the main CPU 111 (step S107). The main CPU 111 then ends the
control process for announcement of the state of the main
microcomputer 11.
[0063] The positioning operation of the smart watch 100 according
to this embodiment will now be explained.
[0064] In the smart watch 100, the satellite-radio-wave receiving
module 24 constantly carries out positioning operations at a
predetermined time interval in response to a request from a
positional-information acquisition application program resident in
the main microcomputer 11, to record the history of the moving of
the current positions or the moving trajectory. The recorded moving
trajectory can be displayed on a map on the first display 12. The
moving history is acquired through constant positioning operations
in response to a request for start of positioning sent from the
main microcomputer 11 to the subsidiary microcomputer 21,
regardless of the operating conditions of the main microcomputer
11, i.e., the operational/dormant mode, the on/off state of the
display operation of the first display 12, the on/off state of
display of a position by the positional-information acquisition
application program during the display operation, and the on/off
state of concurrent operation of other application programs by the
main microcomputer 11.
[0065] The results of the positioning by the satellite-radio-wave
receiving module 24 are sent to the subsidiary microcomputer 21 and
temporarily stored in the buffer memory 215. The temporarily stored
results of the positioning are transferred to the main
microcomputer 11 at an appropriate timing determined in accordance
with the operating conditions of the main microcomputer 11, such as
whether the result is transferrable or the frequency of transfer if
the result can be transferred. The results are then processed and
displayed at the main microcomputer 11.
[0066] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a control process
executed by the main CPU 111 for a measurement controlling process
executed by the main microcomputer 11 of the smart watch 100
according to this embodiment. The measurement controlling process
starts upon reception of an explicit instruction for starting
operation to the operation receiver 13 and at the initial start-up
of the main CPU 111 unless the resident setting of the relevant
application program is cancelled. During shut-down of the main CPU
111, the measurement controlling process is interrupted after
parameters are stored and the subsidiary microcomputer 21 continues
to carry out operational control. When the main CPU 111 restarts,
the measurement controlling process is resumed.
[0067] After start of the measurement controlling process, the main
CPU 111 determines whether parameters are stored in the RAM 112
(step S121). These parameters are those stored before shut-down of
the main CPU 111. If such parameters are stored, they are used in
the measurement controlling process. If parameters are stored
("YES" in step S121), the process goes to step S123. If parameters
are not stored ("NO" in step S121), the main CPU 111 reads and
establishes initial parameters from the memory 113 (step S122). The
initial parameters include an instruction for starting positioning.
The process then goes to step S123.
[0068] In step S123, the main CPU 111 determines whether the
instruction for starting positioning is received (step S123). If
the instruction is received ("YES" in step S123), the main CPU 111
sends a request for starting positioning to the subsidiary
microcomputer 21 (step S124). The process then goes to step S125.
If the instruction is not received or if the positioning operation
is already carried out ("NO" in step S123), the process goes to
step S125.
[0069] In step S125, the main CPU 111 determines whether an
instruction for ending positioning is received (step S125). The
instruction for ending positioning does not end the measurement
controlling process, which is under the control of a resident
application program, and only causes a temporary shut-down, such as
in an airplane mode selected when boarding an airplane. If the
instruction for ending positioning is received ("YES" in step
S125), the main CPU 111 sends a request for ending positioning to
the subsidiary microcomputer 21 (step S126). The process then goes
to step S127. If the instruction for ending positioning is not
received or if the positioning operation is already ended ("NO" in
step S125), the process goes to step S127.
[0070] In step S127, the main CPU ill determines whether an
instruction for ending the resident application program involving
measurement control is received (step S127). If the instruction for
ending the application program is received ("YES" in step S127),
the main CPU 111 sends a request for ending positioning to the
subsidiary microcomputer 21 (step S128). The main CPU 111 carries
out the process of ending the application program (step S129). This
process includes acquisition of the positional information
remaining in the buffer memory 215 of the subsidiary microcomputer
21 and carrying out necessary processing. The main CPU 111 then
ends the measurement controlling process.
[0071] If the instruction for ending the application program is not
received ("NO" in step S127), the main CPU 111 determines whether
an instruction for shutting down the main CPU 111 or an instruction
for entering a dormant or standby mode is received (step S130). If
the instruction for shutting down the main CPU 111 is received
("YES" in step S130), the main CPU 111 carries out a process that
causes the main microcomputer 11 to enter the standby mode (step
S131). This process terminates transmission of data to and from the
subsidiary microcomputer 21 and terminates the processing of
positioning data by the main microcomputer 11. The main CPU 111
then ends the measurement controlling process.
[0072] If the instruction for shutting down the main CPU 111 is not
detected ("NO" in step S130), the main CPU 111 checks for input of
positioning data to the subsidiary microcomputer 21 (step S132). If
the data is input ("YES" in step S132), the main CPU 111 invokes
the display controlling process described below (step S133). The
process then goes to step S123. If the positioning data is not
input ("NO" in step S132), the process goes to step S123.
[0073] Display of the current positional information on the first
display 12 will now be explained.
[0074] When the first display 12 of the smart watch 100 according
to this embodiment is on, the first display 12 can display a map
image of an area including the recent current position overlapped
with a moving history of the positions in the map image.
[0075] FIG. 5 illustrates the area of generation and display of an
output image in the smart watch 100.
[0076] The smart watch 100 generates display image data on a map
image and a trajectory image overlaid thereon every time the recent
current position is acquired. The map image appears in an image
formation area Mf that contains a central area Mc containing the
recent current position P, where the image formation area Mf is
larger than the central area Mc. The trajectory image illustrates a
trajectory L of the moving current position from the origin P0 of
the positioning to the recent current position P. The map data for
generation of the map image is retrieved from the external memory
15. In the actual display process, a display area Md with the
recent current position P in the center is determined, an image
having the display area Md is trimmed from the generated image
data, and the trimmed image is displayed on the screen.
[0077] In detail, the image formation area Mf is not updated while
the recent current position P resides in the central area Mc, and
the display area Md is modified every time the recent current
position P moves. The display area Md is positioned such that the
top always corresponds to north. Alternatively, the top of the
display area Md may always correspond to the traveling direction.
The central area Mc and the display area Md may have different
sizes. To update the image formation area Mf, the map data within
the image formation area Mf is used with no modification, and map
data to be newly incorporated into the image formation area Mf is
newly retrieved from the external memory 15 and is substituted for
the map data deviated from the image formation area Mf.
[0078] The image of the trajectory L may include lines connecting
the points. Alternatively, the image may include only the points.
In the case where the moving rate is high or no information other
than the current position is required, the display area Md may
include only the recent current position P. The recent current
position P may be indicated by an arrow representing the traveling
direction from the previously calculated current positions.
Alternatively, the recent current position P may be indicated by a
simple mark.
[0079] The trajectory image on the map image appearing on the
screen of the smart watch 100 can be temporarily hidden. Thus, the
smart watch 100 may separately generate the map image and the
trajectory image and overlay the trajectory image on the map image,
or may prepare both image data on a map image including the
trajectory and image data on a map image not including the
trajectory and switch to the display of the map image corresponding
to the input operation at the operation receiver 13.
[0080] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a control process for a
display controlling process executed by the main CPU 111 and to be
invoked in the measurement controlling process.
[0081] After invocation of the display controlling process, the
main CPU 111 updates the positional information (trajectory data
and data on the recent current position) on the basis of the
observed positioning data (step S171). The main CPU 111 checks for
generation of image data for display (step S172). If no image data
is generated, for example, in the initial display controlling
process ("NO" in step S172), the process goes to step S174.
[0082] If image data is generated ("YES" in step S172), the main
CPU 111 determines whether the recent current position P resides in
the central area Mc (step S173). If the recent current position P
resides in the central area Mc ("YES" in step S173), the process
goes to step S175. If the recent current position P does not reside
in the central area Mc ("NO" in step S173), the process goes to
step S174.
[0083] In step S174, the main CPU 111 retrieves the map data on the
image formation area Mf centered on the recent current position P
from the external memory 15 (step S174). The process then goes to
step S175.
[0084] In step S175, the main CPU 111 generates the map image data
on the image formation area Mf and the image data on the trajectory
L in the image formation area Mf such that trajectory L can be
overlaid on the map image (step S175). The main CPU 111 determines
whether the display operation of the first display 12 is turned off
or whether no map image appears on the first display 12 (step
S176). In either case ("YES" in step S176), the main CPU 111 ends
the display controlling process and resumes the measurement
controlling process.
[0085] If the first display 12 is not turned off, i.e., turned on,
and a map image appears on the display screen 12a ("NO" in step
S176), the main CPU 111 determines whether the trajectory is to be
displayed (step S177). If the trajectory is to be displayed ("YES"
in step S177), the main CPU 111 causes an overlaid image of the map
image data and the trajectory image data to appear in the display
area Md on the display screen 12a of the first display 12 (step
S178). The main CPU 111 then ends the display controlling process
and resumes the measurement controlling process.
[0086] If the trajectory is not to be displayed ("NO" in step
S177), the main CPU 111 causes the map image data to appear in the
display area Md on the display screen 12a of the first display 12
(step S179). The main CPU 111 then ends the display controlling
process and resumes the measurement controlling process.
[0087] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a control process
executed by the sub-CPU 211 for a positioning control process
executed by the subsidiary microcomputer 21 of the smart watch 100
according to this embodiment. The positioning control process is
constantly carried out after the start-up of the subsidiary
microcomputer 21 in a normal state.
[0088] After start of the positioning control process, the sub-CPU
211 determines whether the subsidiary microcomputer 21 has received
a request for starting positioning from the main microcomputer 11
(main CPU 111) (step S201). If the subsidiary microcomputer 21 has
received the request ("YES" in step S201), the sub-CPU 211 sends an
instruction for start of positioning to the satellite-radio-wave
receiving module 24 (step S202). The sub-CPU 211 starts a process
of sequentially storing the results of the positioning from the
satellite-radio-wave receiving module 24 in the buffer memory 215
(step S203) (temporary storage step, temporarily storage means).
The sub-CPU 211 sets a first time interval to one second for
transferring the results of the positioning stored in the buffer
memory 215 to the main microcomputer 11. In specific, the results
of the positioning acquired at an interval of one second are
transferred to the main microcomputer 11 at substantially real time
(step S204).
[0089] The sub-CPU 211 determines whether the main CPU 111 is shut
down or whether the main microcomputer 11 enters the dormant mode
(standby mode) (step S205). If the main CPU 111 is shut down ("YES"
in step S205), the sub-CPU 211 stops the transfer of the results of
the positioning to the main microcomputer 11 (step S206). The
process then goes to step S207. If the main CPU 111 is not shut
down (if the operation of the main CPU 111 continues or if the main
CPU 111 is already shut down) ("NO" in step S205), the process goes
to step S207.
[0090] In the step S207, the sub-CPU 211 determines whether the
main CPU 111 is restarted or the main microcomputer 11 is in an
operational state (step S207). If the main CPU 111 is restarted
("YES" in step S207), the sub-CPU 211 transfers the data on the
results of the positioning (buffer data) accumulated in the buffer
memory 215 to the main microcomputer 11 (step S208). The process
then goes to step S209. If the main CPU 111 is not restarted (if
the main CPU 111 is in an operational mode or continues to be in
the dormant mode) ("NO" in step S207), the process goes to step
S209.
[0091] In step S209, the sub-CPU 211 checks for the "OFF" state of
the display operation of the first display 12 (step S209). If the
display operation of the first display 12 is turned off ("YES" in
step S209), the sub-CPU 211 sets a second time interval to three
seconds (which is longer than the first time interval) for the data
transfer on the results of the positioning to the main
microcomputer 11 (step S210). The process then goes to step S201.
If the first display 12 is not turned off, i.e., turned on ("NO" in
step S209), the sub-CPU 211 sets a time interval to one second for
transferring the data on the results of the positioning to the main
microcomputer 11 (step S211). The process then goes to step
S201.
[0092] In step S201, if no request for starting positioning is
received by the subsidiary microcomputer 21 ("NO" in step S201),
the sub-CPU 211 determines whether the subsidiary microcomputer 21
has received a request for ending positioning (step S222). If the
request for ending positioning is received by the subsidiary
microcomputer 21 ("YES" in step S222), the sub-CPU 211 sends an
instruction for ending the positioning to the satellite-radio-wave
receiving module 24 (step S233). The sub-CPU 211 transfers all data
items on the results of the positioning remaining in the buffer
memory 215 to the main microcomputer 11 (step S234). The process
then goes to step S201.
[0093] In step S222, if no request for ending positioning is
received ("NO" in step S222), the sub-CPU 211 determines whether
positioning is currently being carried out (step S223). If
positioning is currently being carried out ("YES" in step S223),
the process goes to step S205. If positioning is not currently
being carried out ("NO" in step S223), the process goes to step
S201.
[0094] Steps S204 to S211 correspond to the step of data transfer
and the data transferring means in the method of processing
information and the program according to this embodiment.
[0095] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a modification of the
positioning control process executed by the subsidiary
microcomputer 21 of the smart watch 100 according to this
embodiment.
[0096] The positioning control process according to this
modification is identical to the positioning control process
according to the embodiment described above, except that the
process according to the modification further includes step S215
and S216. The steps corresponding to the same processes are
indicated by the same reference signs, without redundant
descriptions.
[0097] In the positioning control process according to this
modification, the frequency or time interval of transferring the
result of the positioning to the main microcomputer 11 is modified
on the basis of the results of the measurements of the kinetic
state of the smart watch 100 by the measuring unit 23.
[0098] In step S209, if the display operation of the first display
12 is turned off ("YES" in step S209), the sub-CPU 211 acquires
observed values of the kinetic state from the measuring unit 23 and
checks for detection of motion equal to or exceeding a
predetermined standard (step S215). If such motion is detected
("YES" in step S215), the sub-CPU 211 sets the interval to three
seconds for transfer of the results of the positioning to the main
microcomputer 11 (step S210). The process then goes to step S201.
If such motion is not detected ("NO" in step S215), the sub-CPU 211
sets the interval to 10 seconds for transfer of the results of the
positioning to the main microcomputer 11 (step S216). The process
then goes to step S201.
[0099] The time displaying process executed by the sub-CPU 211 of
the subsidiary microcomputer 21 of the smart watch 100 will now be
explained with reference to FIG. 9. The time displaying process is
executed by the subsidiary microcomputer 21 to display and correct
time. In the smart watch 100, for example, turning on the power
triggers the sub-CPU 211 to execute the time displaying process in
cooperation with a time displaying program read from the memory 213
and appropriately deployed to the RAM 212. The subsidiary
microcomputer 21 of the smart watch 100 according to this
embodiment does not shut down after start-up unless the power is
disconnected or the battery runs out.
[0100] The sub-CPU 211 carries out the start-up process of the
subsidiary microcomputer 21 (step S271). The sub-CPU 211 checks for
input of a request for turning on the second display 22 from the
main CPU 111 (step S272). If the request is input ("YES" in step
S272), the sub-CPU 211 instructs the second display 22 to display
the time counted by the RTC 214 (step S273). In step S273, the time
displayed on the display screen 22a as illustrated in FIG. 1B is
updated every second on the basis of the time counted by the RTC
214.
[0101] If the request is not input ("NO" in step S272) or after
step S273, the sub-CPU 211 checks for input of a request for
information on the time counted by the RTC 214 from the main CPU
111 (step S274). If the request for information on time is input
("YES" in step S274), the sub-CPU 211 acquires the current temporal
information from the RTC 214 and sends it to the main CPU 111 (step
S275).
[0102] If the request for information on time is not input ("NO"
instep S274) or after step S275, the sub-CPU 211 checks for input
of a request for turning off the second display 22 by the main CPU
111 (step S276). If the request for turning off the second display
22 is input ("YES" in step S276), the sub-CPU 211 turns off the
display operation of the second display 22 such that the second
display 22 becomes transparent (step S277).
[0103] If the request for turning off the second display 22 is not
input ("NO" in step S276) or after step S277, the sub-CPU 211
determines whether the switch 25 is pressed (step S278). If the
switch 25 is pressed ("YES" in step S278), the sub-CPU 211 starts
the main microcomputer 11 (step S279).
[0104] If the switch 25 is not pressed ("NO" in step S278) or after
step S279, the sub-CPU 211 determines whether the main
microcomputer 11 is in the dormant mode (the first display 12 is
turned off) and whether it is the timing to correct the current
time, in reference to the current time counted by the RTC 214 (step
S280). For example, the subsidiary microcomputer 21 acquires
temporal information from the satellite-radio-wave receiving module
24 at a predetermined time interval, for example, once a day, and
corrects the time. The timing of correcting time in step S280 is a
predetermined amount of time after the previous correction of the
time.
[0105] If the main microcomputer 11 is not in the dormant mode or
if it is not the timing of correcting the time ("NO" in step S280),
the process goes to step S272. If the main microcomputer 11 is in
the dormant mode and if it is the timing of correcting the time
("YES" in step S280), the sub-CPU 211 starts the
satellite-radio-wave receiving module 24 (step S281). The sub-CPU
211 reads firmware for the operation of the satellite-radio-wave
receiving module 24 from the memory 213, transfers the firmware to
the satellite-radio-wave receiving module 24, and loads the
firmware to the memory 241 (step S282). After the firmware is
loaded to the memory 241, the satellite-radio-wave receiving module
24 can receive radio waves from the GNSS satellites, acquire the
temporal information, and generate positioning information, under
the control of the firmware loaded to the memory 241.
[0106] The sub-CPU 211 acquires the current temporal information
from the satellite-radio-wave receiving module 24 (step S283). The
GNSS satellites are provided with clocks having high precision. The
radio waves from the GNSS satellites contain information on the
time counted by these clocks. In other words, the information on
the time from the satellite-radio-wave receiving module 24 has a
precision higher than that of the time counted by the RTC 214.
[0107] The sub-CPU 211 corrects the time of the RTC 214 with
reference to the temporal information acquired in step S283 (step
S284). The sub-CPU 211 turns off the satellite-radio-wave receiving
module 24 (step S285). The process then goes to step S272.
[0108] As described above, the smart watch 100 includes a main
microcomputer 11, a subsidiary microcomputer 21 that consumes
reduced amounts of power compared to the main microcomputer 11
during operation, and a satellite-radio-wave receiving module 24
that receives radio waves from positioning satellites and
converting the radio waves into positional information. The
operation of the satellite-radio-wave receiving module 24 is
controlled by the subsidiary microcomputer 21. The subsidiary
microcomputer 21 temporarily stores the positioning data acquired
by the satellite-radio-wave receiving module 24 in the buffer
memory 215 and transfers the positioning data temporarily stored in
the buffer memory 215 to the main microcomputer 11 at a
predetermined timing determined in accordance with the operating
conditions of the main microcomputer 11.
[0109] In this way, the subsidiary microcomputer 21 can maintain
and control a constant positioning operation by the
satellite-radio-wave receiving module 24 while consuming a reduced
amount of power, to acquire data. The acquired data can be
transferred to the main microcomputer 11 that carries out the
actual data processing at an appropriate timing in accordance with
the operating conditions of the main microcomputer 11. This can
reduce the power consumption during operations other than those
consuming increased amounts of power, such as information
processing and display operations. Thus, the positioning operation
can be controlled more efficiently.
[0110] The main microcomputer 11 can switch between the operational
mode and the dormant mode (standby mode). In the dormant mode, the
subsidiary microcomputer 21 stores positioning data in the buffer
memory 215 and transfers the stored positioning data to the main
microcomputer 11 after the main microcomputer 11 enters the
operational mode.
[0111] The main microcomputer 11 is in the dormant mode while no
particular processing is carried out other than positioning, and
the results of the positioning are temporarily stored in the
subsidiary microcomputer 21. Thus, the power consumption of the
main microcomputer 11 can be significantly reduced, and the results
of the positioning can be certainly acquired under such reduced
power consumption.
[0112] In the dormant mode, the main microcomputer 11 temporarily
enters the operational mode at a predetermined maintenance
operation interval and carries out predetermined processing. The
subsidiary microcomputer 21 transfers the positioning data while
the main microcomputer 11 is in the operational mode.
[0113] In this way, the results of the positioning are transferred
to the main microcomputer 11 in accordance with the intermittent
operation of the main microcomputer 11 required for maintenance of
the operation of the smart watch 100. Thus, the operation of the
main microcomputer 11 is not restarted at an unnecessarily high
frequency. Moreover, a large buffer memory 215 is not required in
anticipation of delayed transfer of the results, and data can be
transferred in a short time because long-term accumulation of data
is prevented. Thus, operational efficiency can be enhanced without
a reduction in usability for users.
[0114] The smart watch 100 includes a first display 12. While the
first display 12 displays images under the control of the main
microcomputer 11, the subsidiary microcomputer 21 transfers the
positioning data to the main microcomputer 11 at a first time
interval of one second. While the first display 12 displays no
images under the control of the main microcomputer 11, the
subsidiary microcomputer 21 transfers the positioning data to the
main microcomputer 11 at a second time interval of three seconds,
which is longer than the first time interval.
[0115] The main microcomputer 11 is not urged to process the
results of the positioning at real time while the results of the
positioning are not displayed. Thus, multiple data items can be
transferred in batches at a longer interval to increase the
operational efficiency without a reduction in usability for
users.
[0116] The first display 12 does not display images while the main
microcomputer 11 is in the dormant mode. This enables ready
checking for display on the results of the positioning. The first
display 12, which displays various images, can be turned off
together with the sophisticated main microcomputer 11 to achieve
the stable operation of the subsidiary microcomputer 21 and a
reduction in power consumption.
[0117] The smart watch 100 includes an external memory 15 that
stores map data. The main microcomputer 11 generates image data for
displaying a map including at least the recent current position P
determined on the basis of the positioning data and at least the
recent current position P on the map, in reference to the
positioning data and the map data.
[0118] The main microcomputer 11 generates images of the current
position and the trajectory as needed, with reference to the map
data independently provided. In the smart watch 100, the
sophisticated main microcomputer 11 intermittently operates to
carry out such image generation for a sufficient term, and the
subsidiary microcomputer 21, which consumes a reduced amount of
power, acquires the results of the positioning. This disperses the
load and enhances the processing efficiency. When map generation
and display are not required, the main microcomputer 11 can be shut
down to readily reduce the power consumption.
[0119] The main microcomputer 11 causes the map including at least
the recent current position P to appear on the first display 12,
based on the image data generated for display.
[0120] Similarly, the sophisticated main microcomputer 11 of the
smart watch 100 controls the display of the map and can readily
display a high-resolution map the user can readily view when
necessary. If such display is not necessary, the subsidiary
microcomputer 21 may solely control the positioning operation to
significantly reduce the power consumption of the main
microcomputer 11.
[0121] The main microcomputer 11 causes a map and a mark indicating
the recent current position P disposed at a fixed position to
appear on the first display 12.
[0122] As described above, the smart watch 100 sequentially updates
at real time images having the current position P disposed at the
center appearing on the first display 12 under the control of the
main microcomputer 11, based on the results of the positioning, if
the display of the images is required. This enhances usability for
the users.
[0123] The main microcomputer 11 causes at least the recent current
position P to be overlapped or not on the map.
[0124] The current position can appropriately appear or disappear
under the control of the main microcomputer 11. This allows the
main microcomputer 11 to carry out processing that has a load
greater than that of mere control of the positioning operation.
Thus, necessary information can be appropriately provided to the
user without an excessive increase in the power consumption of the
main microcomputer 11.
[0125] The smart watch 100 includes a measuring unit 23 that
measures the kinetic state of the smart watch 100. The subsidiary
microcomputer 21 modifies the second time interval on the basis of
the results of measurements by the measuring unit 23.
[0126] The positioning operation by such an information processing
apparatus is usually carried out while the user carrying the
information processing apparatus is moving. While the user is not
moving, the need is low for the acquisition, processing, and
display of the recent current position at real time. Thus, the
processing frequency can be reduced by increasing the interval of
data transfer while the user is not moving, to increase the power
efficiency without reducing usability for the user. A prompt
detection of the kinetic state relative to the operation of the
first display 12 enables ready acquisition of data immediately
before the actual display of the data. This enhances usability for
the user. The arm motion of the user is detected before the smart
watch 100 reaches a specific orientation that is detected by the
tilt sensor. Thus, transmission and processing of the results of
the positioning can start slightly before the user views the smart
watch 100.
[0127] According to this embodiment, the smart watch 100 includes a
clock 114 that counts time (time and date, or at least a value
related to time); an RTC 214 that counts time with a precision
lower than that of the clock 114; a satellite-radio-wave receiving
module 24 that receives radio waves from positioning satellites and
acquires temporal information having a precision higher than that
of the RTC 214; and a sub-CPU 211 that controls the
satellite-radio-wave receiving module 24. The sub-CPU 211 acquires
temporal information from the satellite-radio-wave receiving module
24 and corrects the time of the RTC 214, in reference to the
temporal information. Thus, the time to be displayed can be
appropriately acquired from either the clock 114 or the RTC 214,
and the precision of time counted by the RTC 214 can be
increased.
[0128] The smart watch 100 further includes a main microcomputer
11, and a subsidiary microcomputer 21 that operates by consuming an
amount of power smaller than that of the main microcomputer 11. The
clock 114 is provided in the main microcomputer 11, and the RTC 214
is provided in the subsidiary microcomputer 21. Thus, the precision
of time counting can be increased while the subsidiary
microcomputer 21 is operating in a state of low power
consumption.
[0129] The embodiment described above includes a main microcomputer
11; a subsidiary microcomputer 21 consumes reduced amounts of power
compared to the main microcomputer 11 during operation; and a
satellite-radio-wave receiving module 24 that receives radio waves
from positioning satellites converting the radio waves into
positional information. The satellite-radio-wave receiving module
24 operates under the control of the subsidiary microcomputer 21
that carries out a method of processing information in an
information processing apparatus or smart watch 100 controlled by
the subsidiary microcomputer 21. The method involves temporarily
storing positioning data sent from the satellite-radio-wave
receiving module 24; and transferring the temporarily stored
positioning data to the main microcomputer 11 at a predetermined
timing determined in accordance with the operating conditions of
the main microcomputer 11.
[0130] In this way, a constant positioning operation is maintained
and controlled by the subsidiary microcomputer 21 operating with
low power consumption, and data can be promptly transferred to the
main microcomputer 11 at an appropriate timing only when the
processing and display of the results of the positioning are
required. This further enhances the efficiency of the control
operations involved in the positioning operation.
[0131] The programs 213a according to this embodiment causes the
subsidiary microcomputer 21 of the smart watch 100 to function as a
temporary storage means that temporarily stores the positioning
data acquired by the satellite-radio-wave receiving module 24, and
a data transfer means that transfers the temporarily stored
positioning data to the main microcomputer 11 at a predetermined
timing in accordance with the operating conditions of the main
microcomputer 11.
[0132] The smart watch 100 includes the main microcomputer 11 and
the subsidiary microcomputer 21, as described above. The subsidiary
microcomputer 21, which has low power consumption, maintains the
acquisition of the results of the positioning under the control of
software and transfers the data to the sophisticated main
microcomputer 11 in accordance with the use of the results of the
positioning, to increase the processing rate of the main
microcomputer 11. This can enhance the efficiency of control
operations involved in the positioning operation.
[0133] The present invention should not be limited to the
embodiments described above and may include various
modifications.
[0134] For example, in the embodiments described above, the
operating conditions of the main microcomputer 11 are controlled
with reference to the operational/dormant mode, the on/off state of
the display operation of the first display 12, the on/off state of
display of a position by the positional-information acquisition
application program during the display operation, and the on/off
state of concurrent operation of other application programs by the
main microcomputer 11. Alternatively, the control may be carried
out in consideration of any other factor. For example, the control
may be based on the usage rate of the main CPU 111 and/or the size
of the free memory in the RAM 112, instead of individual
operations.
[0135] In addition to adjustment of the interval of the operational
state, the main microcomputer 11 may be controlled to execute the
high-load processing during periods other than the high-load
periods that may occur due to processing of other application
programs.
[0136] In the embodiment described above, the first display 12
displays a map. The first display 12 may also display tables of
numeric values of the traveling distance and time, for example.
These values and the map may be simultaneously displayed.
[0137] In the embodiment described above, the subsidiary
microcomputer 21 transfers the accumulated results of the
positioning in a batch after the main microcomputer 11 resumes
operation from the dormant mode. Alternatively, a predetermined
volume of data may be transferred at a predetermined interval after
resumption of the main microcomputer 11.
[0138] In the embodiment described above, the results of the
positioning stored in the buffer memory 215 are transferred in
response to the temporal restart of the main microcomputer 11 every
10 minutes. In the case of no periodical restart, the subsidiary
microcomputer 21 may cause the main microcomputer 11 to
periodically operate for transfer of the results of the positioning
such that the results of the positioning do not exceed the capacity
of buffer memory 215.
[0139] In the embodiment described above, the transfer interval of
the results of the positioning is varied based on only the on/off
state of the first display 12. Alternatively, the transfer interval
may be varied based on any other condition, for example, the on/off
state of real-time display of the results of the positioning or the
update frequency of the results of the positioning that is
determined in response to an input operation. In the embodiment
described above, the transfer interval of the results of the
positioning are one or three seconds. This is a mere example, and
the transfer interval may be determined on any other condition, for
example, the precision of the positioning. The precision of the
positioning maybe varied in response to an input operation by the
user. The transfer interval may also vary in accordance with the
variation in the precision of the positioning.
[0140] In the embodiment described above, the map data is retrieved
from the external memory 15. Alternatively, the map data may be
retrieved from an external server via the wireless communication
controller 14. The map data may have any format. The main
microcomputer 11 (main CPU 111) converts the format of the map data
to a format displayable on the screen, for example, pixmap data. In
the embodiment described above, the on/off state of the display of
the current position is switched. Alternatively, the current
position may be constantly displayed on the map during the
positioning by an application program, if required by the
specification of the application program.
[0141] In the embodiment described above, the subsidiary
microcomputer 21 controls the measuring unit 23 to vary the
transfer interval of the results of the positioning on the basis of
the results of the measurement by the measuring unit 23.
Alternatively, the main microcomputer 11 may control the measuring
unit 23 and notify the subsidiary microcomputer 21 of the results
of the measurement and the transfer interval determined in
accordance with the results of the measurement.
[0142] In the embodiment described above, the kinetic state of the
smart watch 100 is measured by the measuring unit 23 while the
first display 12 is turned off, and the transfer interval is
expanded if a motion equal to or exceeding a predetermined standard
is undetected. Alternatively, the kinetic state of the smart watch
100 may be measured by the measuring unit 23 while the first
display 12 is turned on, and the transfer interval may be narrowed
if a motion equal to or exceeding a predetermined standard is
detected.
[0143] As described above, the computer readable medium storing the
programs 213a for the positioning control process involved in the
processing carried out by the sub-CPU 211 according to the present
invention is exemplified by the memory 213 including a non-volatile
memory. Alternatively, any computer readable medium may be used.
Examples of other computer readable media include portable
recording media, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) a CD-ROM, and a
DVD disk. Carrier waves may also be applied to the present
invention as a medium that provides data of the program according
to the present invention via a communication line.
[0144] The detailed configuration and structure of the components
of the embodiments described above may be appropriately modified
without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0145] The embodiments described above should not be construed to
limit the present invention, and the claims and other equivalents
thereof are included in the scope of the invention.
* * * * *